Ann Arbor has all the perfect ingredients for a great, green summer escape from the desert. Just mix several blocks of vibrant restaurants and farmer’s markets, big city art and culture.
Ann Arbor is best known as a cultured college town with great sports teams and presidential library (Gerald R. Ford), but don’t go by reputation alone. Come to think of it, though Michigan has been hard hit by the recession, forget what you’ve heard on that, too.
With respects to this big “little city,” you should absolutely judge by appearances, because you are probably going to be inspired by what you see. The downtown grid unfolds as a mix of Midwest Americana, West Coast artiness and European majesty (especially near campus), making it one of the most surprising discoveries within a couple hours’ drive from Chicago. The first striking thing about downtown and adjacent residential sections is a preponderance of restaurants, galleries and shops that would look right at home in New York City’s Soho or San Francisco.
The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA), could be likened to a miniature version of Chicago’s Art Institute. Thanks in part to the contribution of Maxine and Stuart Frankel, the addition of a 53,000 square-foot Frankel Family Wing and a makeover taking place between June 2008 and March 2009 renders UMMA a treasure trove of European master works, decorative arts, Asian and African art collections and a particularly tempting gift shop. The transformation of UMMA into a “town square” for the 21st century is also coming to fruition with the implementation of live performances, art classes and open research areas.
“What’s great about Ann Arbor is that it is a rich place culturally,” says Paul Saginaw, co-founder of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses and patron of many arts and community charities including the Performance Network Theater. “You have the University of Michigan, as well as a very active (local arts scene). On any given morning you can come in here (to Zingerman’s Next Door coffee shop) and you’ll hear lively conversations about these issues from all sides.”
In a community defined by a distinctive food culture almost as much as its university, Zingerman’s goes beyond just being a local institution--so much so that Saginaw and partner Ari Weinzweig have been called upon by food retailers and restaurateurs nationwide to teach and preach what has made Zingerman’s so beloved to Ann Arbor residents and visitors. However, to really understand why these interconnected businesses pair so well together, one needs to set time aside to attend a class at Zingerman’s Z Bake! programs for adults and kids, savor down-home comfort food at Zingerman’s Roadhouse and have the other senses gloriously overwhelmed at Zingerman’s Deli, Creamery and Bakehouse.
